Australian Music Industry Calls for Reinstatement of ‘Michael’s Rule’

“Each time this happens, it’s a major missed opportunity for local audiences to discover homegrown talent. In memory of Michael McMartin OAM, we are making this public request to every major promoter and eagerly await their response. If they are unwilling to reinstate ‘Michael’s Rule’ as a voluntary code, we will formally ask the government to use the visa system to enforce it,” stated Alastair Burns and Jess Keeley, AAM Co-chairs.

‘Michael’s Rule’ was once a well-known industry practice following extensive lobbying by artist managers in the early 2000s. Senior managers and the AAM are now calling for this voluntary code to be reinstated during this crisis for Australian music. If promoters resist, the AAM plans to ask the federal government to make it a visa condition that international touring artists must comply with ‘Michael’s Rule.’ The AAM also noted that while local media must meet local content quotas, major international tours such as those by SZA, Taylor Swift, and Niall Horan proceed without featuring any Australian music.

“Everyone knows that there are fewer Australian songs on the charts now than at any time since the early 1960s. Local artists and their managers are also confronting other historic challenges, including a wave of recent festival cancellations,” said Maggie Collins, Executive Director of the AAM. “These challenges have been acknowledged by governments across Australia in recent years. Promoters received substantial public funding during the pandemic and continue to get public support for some of their major events. We believe it’s only fair that, in return, they should help give Australian artists a boost by simply including at least one local act on every international tour.”

“Getting our local artists in front of new audiences is the most important issue facing our industry,” Herd continued. “Support slots on international tours provide huge opportunities for Australian artists, connecting them with whole new fan bases. The Michael’s Rule is a fantastic initiative that we are confident can be implemented without impacting the viability of international touring.

“Additionally, expanding venues like sports stadiums to multi-use facilities in NSW is a crucial step. This would increase entertainment options for everyone, not just sports fans, and continue to create opportunities for local artists to perform alongside global icons.”

Artists supported by AAM members include Amyl & The Sniffers, Budjerah, Powderfinger, The Teskey Brothers, Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, Birds Of Tokyo, The Presets, Missy Higgins, Kasey Chambers, Ball Park Music, John Butler Trio, Karnivool, Miss Kaninna, Grinspoon, Something For Kate, Alex Lahey, and many others.